This Week in Downtown

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Featured Event

Mar 15 Downtown Art Night
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Congress Avenue & 5th Street
dtartnight.org

Austin has a vibrant downtown scene and a new monthly event will offer you yet another reason to take in the lights, sounds, smells and visions of our vivacious city center.

Downtown Art Night debuts this Thursday as an exciting new way to see and enjoy all of the fine arts on display at our museums, galleries and art spaces. You'll experience great local, national, and international artists combined with superbly curated installations on view.

Catch a free ride up and down Congress Ave. on the Red or Gold 'Dillo. Take the Silver 'Dillo up and down E. 5th St.

Walk or ride the 'Dillo and join us every third Thursday of the month from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Downtown Austin - It's deep in the ART of Texas.


On Stage

Mar 17-Aug 7 Mummies:
Secrets of the Pharaohs

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-IMAX, thestoryoftexas.com

Unwrap the mystery of these human time capsules, shown in a fascinating new giant screen film. Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs brings to life ancient wonders, historic intrigue and a modern-day forensic adventure, all in one eye-popping new film. This magnificent production unravels some of the mysteries enshrouding the ancient royal mummies, how they were embalmed and where they were hidden. You will also learn how these mummies were recovered in an Indiana Jones-type tale of tomb-raiders and hidden treasure that led to one of the most significant archaeological finds in modern history. These relics of the past create a window into the fascinating and mysterious world of the pharaohs. In addition to increasing our understanding of the culture, religion, medicine, and daily life thousands of years ago, scientists today are reconstructing mummy DNA and deciphering ancient texts to gain insight into modern human genetics and advance medical treatments. You do not want to miss this opportunity to peer into these ancient wonders and secrets!

Mar 18 Italian Movie Night - Featuring "Big Night"
8:00 p.m.
The Belmont, 305 W. Sixth Street
(512) 457-0300, thebelmontaustin.com

Make it a big night on the town with Italian Movie Night at The Belmont featuring Big Night. Watch the movie on the big screen while enjoying The Belmont's patio and Sunday-only food specials, spaghetti and meatballs and Italian pastry cannolies. Mr. Jerm Pollet of "The Sinus Show" will host the evening which includes games, songs and amusing anecdotes to accompany the film.

Mar 19 Robert De Niro's Film Series
Bang the Drum Slowly

7:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center for the Humanities, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

To celebrate the arrival of Robert De Niro's archive, the Harry Ransom Center will screen Bang the Drum Slowly (1973) as part of the Robert De Niro Film Series. The film, directed by John D. Hancock, stars De Niro, Michael Moriarty, and Vincent Gardenia. Associate Curator of Film Steve Wilson introduces the film and discusses related items from the De Niro collection. Rated PG. Seating is free, but limited.

Mar 20 KLRU's Engaging Speaker's Series:
Tim Flannery & Elizabeth Kolbert - Global Warming
7:30 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Two of the leading voices on climate issues take center stage to discuss the causes and impacts of global warming. Internationally acclaimed scientist Dr. Tim Flannery believes that human activity is altering the earth's climate. His best-selling book, "The Weather Makers," demonstrates the substantial climate change and the likely ecological effects to the planet if this process continues. Journalist Elizabeth Kolbert worked with top scientists for her groundbreaking environmental series for "The New Yorker." That work has been expanded for the book "Field Notes from a Catastrophe," which delves into what can be done to negate the causes of global warming. klru.org/spark

Mar 21 Tyler Perry's What's Done in the Dark
8:00 p.m.
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 471-7744, uterwincenter.com

The story of Tyler Perry's What's Done in the Dark is full of suspense, infidelity, sensitive emotions and issues and situations that the audience can always identify with; everything expected from a Tyler Perry dramatic production.

Still on Stage...

To 3/24: Disney's The Lion King, Bass Concert Hall, utpac.org
To 3/30: Six Degrees, The Hideout Theatre, hideoutheatre.com
To 4/26: Maestro Improv Comedy, The Hideout Theatre, hideoutheatre.com
To 8/27: Sharks 3D, IMAX® Theatre, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com

Ongoing: Hurricane on the Bayou, Texas the Big Picture, Deep Sea 3D in the IMAX® Theatre; Ride Around the World: A Cowboy Adventure; and The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com


The Music Scene

Mar 14 Concert at Good Life Barbershop
8:00 p.m.
Good Life Barbershop, 201 E. 5th
(512) 320-0010, TheGoodLifeBarbershop.com

When SXSW is happening, bands are looking for venues all over town. It's short notice, the Good Life Barbershop is having a little get together and invite you enjoy the tunes of the James Michael Thomas Band.

Mar 15 St. Paddy's Day Concert
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noonday Concert features Joe Haggard & Vernon Moeller in a special St. Paddy's Day Concert.

Mar 15-16 Live from the Plaza
Music Showcase

City Hall Plaza, 201 E. Cesar Chavez
cityofaustin.org/music

Korean rockers from the Seoul Electric Band will be joining six notable Austin bands to provide world-class performances on the plaza of City Hall. The Seoul Electric Band, preceded by a special Korean dance-and-drum group, are both hosted by the Austin Gwangmyeong Sister City Committee. The free two-day showcase kicks off the 2007 season of the popular Live From The Plaza lunchtime music series. Here's who you'll be hearing during the showcase:

Thursday:
Noon-1:15 p.m. Blues Crawlers
1:45-3:00 p.m. The Kat's Meow
3:30-5:00 p.m. The Foundation
5:30-6:30 p.m. Seoul Electric Band

Friday
Noon-1:15 p.m. The Band of Heathens
1:45-3:00 p.m. Wendy Colonna
3:30-5:00 p.m. Malford Milligan

After the showcase, downtown visitors and workers can continue to enjoy the free lunchtime concerts on Fridays from noon - 1:00 p.m. from March 23 to June 15 and Sept. 14 to Dec. 14. All of the concerts will be broadcast live on cable Channel 6 and on the internet at cityofaustin.org/channel6. Live FromThe Plaza is hosted by the City of Austin to promote the cultural sector and the artistic excellence and cultural diversity of Austin musicians. More information about the bands and the concert series is available at cityofaustin.org/music.

Mar 15-17 SXSW Dew Music Festival
Auditorium Shores, Town Lake
2007.sxsw.com

Come out and enjoy SXSW with Free Concerts on Auditorium Shores this Thursday and Friday. Visit SXSW's web site for a complete list of bands and links to the bands web sites. Music schedule is as follows: Thursday - bands begin at 6:00 p.m., Friday - bands begin at 5:45 p.m.. On Saturday there will be kid friendly music from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with the music continuing into the night. The Town Lake Stage concerts benefit Latinas Unidas Por El Arte. Capital Metro will provide shuttle service between the Austin High Park and Ride to Auditorium Shores for the Dew Music Festival on Thursday, and Friday starting at 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday beginning at 3:00 p.m. The last shuttle will leave one hour after the last concert each night.

Mar 16 The Hylozoists
8:00 p.m.
Volitant Gallery, 320 Congress, Ste. 100
(512) 236-1240, volitant.com

In conjunction with their SXSW Tour, Volitant Gallery and boompa records will present a free concert featuring The Hylozoists. No wristband required. Refreshments provided. Take a listen to the amazing sounds you?ll be hearing at thehylozoists.com.

Mar 16-17 Tesoros Free SXSW Performances
Tesoros Trading Company, 209 Congress
(512) 479-8377, tesoros.com

Stop by Tesoros on Friday and Saturday and enjoy free in store performances by SXSW artists. Here?s the lineup:

Friday
2:00 p.m. Luca Mundaca
3:00 p.m. Forro in the Dark

Saturday
12:00 p.m. Luca Mundaca
1:00 p.m. Carrie Rodriquez
2:00 p.m. Michael Ramos/Charanga Cakewalk
3:00 p.m. Alejandro Escovedo

This will be Tesoros' last SXSW at this location, so join in celebrating a great 18 years on Congress Avenue! Open Daily 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.


Gallery Watch & Museum Musings

Mar 15 The Magik Markers and The Bitter Tears
9:00 p.m.
Arthouse at the Jones Center, 700 Congress
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

Special live performance with Brent Green films. Arthouse public programs are supported by The Berman Family Foundation. All events and programs are free to members and the public.

Mar 15 Drawn From Life:
A Curator + Artist Panel Discuss

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
gallerylombardi.com

Listen to a lively panel of artists and curators talk about their work. Panelists include: Rusty Mills (animator of Pinky & the Brian), Erik Foss (DRAW Curator, Fuse Gallery NYC), Curse Mackey (DRAW Curator, Action Arts Agency), Daniel Upton (tattoo artist, ATX), Lance Bradley (visual artist, ATX). Held in conjunction with Gallery Lombardi's exhibit Draw.

Mar 16 Draw - SXSW Music Festival Artist Reception
8:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Gallery Lombardi, 602 W. 7th, #A
(512) 481-1088, gallerylombardi.com

Held in conjunction with Gallery Lombardi's new exhibit "Draw" - the gallery is hosting a special reception for SXSW attendees. Event features animations, art, DJ Hypnautica and refreshments.

Mar 15-21 Blanton Happenings
Blanton Museum of Art, Congress & MLK
(512) 232-5171, blantonmuseum.org

Mar 15 Public Tour: Artwork of the Week - 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Explore one of the permanent collection's gems, the painting Cleopatra by Donato Creti.

Mar 15 Public Tour: The Geometry of Hope: Sao Paulo in the 1950s - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Part three in a six-part series on the cities and the artists that defined Latin American art in the Twentieth Century. Sao Paulo in the 1950s takes a closer look at the work of Mira Schendel and Geraldo De Barros.

Mar 15 Art Fix: Latin American Wines - 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy the music of Latin America and experience The Geometry of Hope in a new way. Space is limited. Tickets are available at the Visitor Services Desk one hour before program begins.

Mar 17 Public Tour: Greatest Hits of the BMA - 2:00 - 3:00 p.m
Art from the permanent collection of the Blanton is highlighted in this 50 minute tour.

Mar 18 Public Tour: The Geometry of Hope: Sao Paulo in the 1950s - 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
The Geometry of Hope brings together the leaders of twentieth century Latin American art including Carlos Cruz-Diez, Gego, Joaquin Torres-Garcia, and Gonzalo Fonseca.

Mar 21 ArtBUFFs Cheesy Cocktail Party - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy a casual evening of fondue, cocktails, music, retro games, and exclusive access to The Geometry of Hope with Ursula Davilla-Villa, assistant curator of Latin American art.
Mar 19-Apr 1 Robert De Niro in Costume:
Selections from the Archive

The University Co-Op, 2246 Guadalupe St.
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Robert De Niro in Costume: Selections From the Archive, an exhibition of 13 iconic costumes from the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center's Robert De Niro collection, will be displayed inside the first floor main entrance of The University Co-op from March 19 to April 1. Actor, director, producer Robert De Niro donated his vast collection to the Ransom Center in 2006. With materials from the late 1960s to the present, the archive includes annotated scripts, notes, research materials and an extensive collection of costumes De Niro wore in his films. The archive is still being processed and is not yet available to the public, but this exhibition of costumes offers the public its first view of the collection. The exhibition can be seen Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Mar 20 O. Henry Prize-Winning
Short Story Adaptations

7:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center for the Humanities, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Actors Lynn C. Miller and Ev Lunning adapt selected literary works from the annual O. Henry prize story collection and portions of Christine Schutt's "The Duchess of Albany" and Charles Lambert's "The Scent of Cinnamon" for a live performance. Each year stories are selected for the O. Henry prize collection and are performed. Seating is free, but limited. The event is co-sponsored by the Department of English and the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Mar 21 Arttalk Spring Series: How to Spot a Rising Star
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Studio 107, 200 Block of E. 5th, #107
(512) 485-3066, austinfineartsfestival.org

Join Till Richter as he teaches us how to spot a rising star by discussing what criteria determines if an artist?s works might have a good chance of being successful in art historic and market terms. Part of the Austin Fine Arts Alliance Series, ArtTalk is an exciting new conversation that examines and discusses the many facets of buying art in a way that both experts and first-time buyers will appreciate. This week's event is hosted by the Austin Fine Arts Alliance and Studio 107.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 3/30: Freaks of Nurture, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 4/1: Joe Ely's Bonfire of Roadmaps, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 4/1: Vessels and Inspirations, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 4/5: Hello My Name Is, Studio 107, studio107.com
To 4/8: Virtuoso Lithography, Blanton Museum of Art, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 4/8: European Prints of Ornament, 1500-1700, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 4/8: Jusepe de Ribera, 1591-1652, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 4/19: Revealing Character: Robb Kendrick's Texas Tintypes, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 4/11: Will Klemm, Wally Workman Gallery, wallyworkmangallery.com
To 4/21: The Geometry of Hope, Blanton Musem of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 4/22: Animations: Nathalie Djurberg, Brent Green, and David Shrigley & Chris Shepherd, Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 4/22: Arthouse Presents...Katie Dove, Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 4/26: Owen McAuley: New Work, d berman gallery, dbermangallery.com
To 4/27: The Queen of Peace: S & P Stanikas, Volitant Gallery, volitant.com
To 5/4: In My Stairwell by Mark Seliger, Fielding Lecht Gallery, fieldinglecht.com
To 5/5: Kate Ericson and Mel Ziegler: America Starts Here, 1985-1995, amoa.org
To 5/18: Fun, 2,3,4: all about a number of things, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 5/27: On the Plains: The Art of Frank Reaugh, Texas Capitol Visitors Center, TexasCapitolVisitorsCenter.com
To 5/28: Power to the People, LBJ Library & Museum, lbjlib.utexas.edu
To 7/28: The American Twenties, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 8/31: Testimonio, La Peña Gallery, lapena-austin.org
To 12/31: Antarctica: Life at the Bottom of the World, Texas Memorial Museum, texasnaturalsciencecenter.org
Ongoing:
To 1/31: People's Gallery 2007 Exhibition, Austin City Hall, cityofaustin.org
European Paintings from the Permanent Collection and America/Americas, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
Gems and Minerals, Texas Memorial Museum, texasmemorialmuseum.org


Special Events

Mar 15 2nd Street District Urbanism Live - Event Cancelled
Noon to 7:30 p.m.
2nd Street District
2ndstreetdistrict.com

Notice: Event cancelled due to wet grounds - The Shops on 2nd Street will still be open late for all the SXSW crowds. Stop by Milk + Honey and check out their SXSW DeTox or enjoy a Rock Star Retreat.

Mar 16-17 Fado's St. Patrick's Day
Industry of Music Showcase

Fado's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 214 W. 4th St.
(512) 457-0172, fadoirishpub.com

Friday, March 16th - Fado's takes over 4th St. early Friday after hosting JB & Sandy's Morning Show on MIX 94.7 for the BIG ONE. Live music on two stages starts at 3:00 p.m. Then St. Patrick?s Day will be filled with 6 Nations Rugby, Great Bands, Guinness and the best craic this side of the pond! Fun begins at 10:00 a.m. - all at Fado - the soul of Ireland in the heart of Texas. Go to the fadoirishpub.com/austin/ for details and schedule.

Mar 17 St. Patrick's Day Throwdown
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Mother Egan's Irish Pub, 715 W. 6th
celticcenter.org

Slainte! The largest St. Patrick's Day event in Central Texas is happening at Mother Egan's Irish Pub. Produced by the Celtic Cultural Center of Texas, (celticcenter.org) A Great place to take the whole family on St. Patrick's Day with covered stages and tented audience space for rain or shine entertainment! You?ll hear the best in Irish music. Visit the Gaelic League of Austin's booth for Gaelic lessons or to browse their collection of Irish language books and material. Visit celticcenter.org for complete details, to download the schedule and to buy tickets to this all-day, all-Irish celebration.

Mar 17-18 City-Wide Garage Sale
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 441-2828, cwgs.com

Austin's Largest Antique, Collectible & Vintage Marketplace - Where Everything Has a Story. Times: Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Free parking for customers.

Ongoing Special Events


Mar 17 Saturday Market Back at 4th and Guadalupe
Republic Square Park, 4th & Guadalupe
(512) 236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org

The Saturday Austin Farmers? Market, a project of Sustainable Food Center, has moved back to its home location of 4th Street and Guadalupe. You can stroll through dozens of vendors to do your shopping for a great variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, cheeses, eggs, meats, breads, honey, flowers, prepared foods, drinks and artisan crafts. Free parking and free admission to the market.

Mar 17, 18 West 6th St. Artists Market
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
709 W. 6th
(512) 698-8099, 6thstreetmarket.com

The West 6th Street Artist's Market is back in a new location! Here's another splendid shopping opportunity downtown - at this festive outdoor art fair, featuring a variety of work by independent artists from Austin and Central Texas.

Mar 21 Wednesday Austin Farmers' Market
Whole Foods Market, 6th and Lamar
austinfarmersmarket.org

You can't do better than local produce. Get the freshest and finest picks at the Wednesday Austin Farmers' Market at Whole Foods Market - 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Mar 21 Yoga in the Park
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Republic Square Park, 4th & Guadalupe
(512) 477-1566, austinparks.org

Make your lunch order a stretch and strengthen sandwich, with a side of stress reduction! Austin Parks Foundation invites you to attend free yoga classes at Republic Square Park, courtesy of Yoga Yoga. Classes will be held every Wednesday in March from Noon to 1:00 p.m. A certified instructor will lead the class, appropriate for all skill levels. Wear comfortable clothing, and bring your own mat, if possible.


The Sporting Life

Mar 15, 18 Texas Roller Girls
Spring Break Bouts

Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
(512) 428-GIRL (4475), txrd.com

The Roller Girls are rolling on their brand new track at the Austin Convention Center. Tickets are available at the door, online, and at many fine establishments around the Austin area. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

3/15 - Texas Roller Girls - SXSW Bout
3/18 - Holy Rollers vs. Cherry Bombs

Mar 17, 19 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 471-7744, uterwincenter.com

Get your tickets now to the NCAA Women's 1st and 2nd Rounds hosted by UT and watch eight of the best NCAA Women's Basketball teams compete in their first step on the road to the Final Four in Cleveland. Tickets are available online at uterwincenter.com or by calling 1-800-982-2386 or 512-471-3333! Here's the schedule:

March 17 First Round, Session I and II Games.
11:00 a.m. Oklahoma vs. Southeast Missouri State
1:30 p.m. Marquette vs. UL-Lafayette
7:00 p.m. Xavier vs. West Virginia
9:30 p.m. LSU vs. UNC-Asheville

March 19 Second Round, Session III Games
Action starts at 6:00 p.m.


Traffic Flow

Mar 14 - Mar 18 SXSW Music Festival
2007.sxsw.com

The sponsors of the SXSW Music Festival will close the following streets from 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday (March 14) until 6:00 a.m. on Sunday to accommodate the large crowds expected:

- E. 6th St., between the IH-35 southbound frontage road and Brazos
- Red River, between 5th St. and 10th St.
- Sabine, Neches, Trinity, and San Jacinto, between E. 5th St. and E. 7th St.

Note: E. 6th St. will be open during the morning rush hour, between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday and Thursday.


Mar 16 - Mar 17 Fado's Irish Pub St. Patrick's Day Festival
fadoirishpub.com/austin

W. 4th St. will be closed between Lavaca and Colorado from 6:00 a.m. on Friday until 4:00 a.m. on Sunday the 18th.

Mar 17 Million Musician March
instrumentsforpeace.org

An estimated 3000 participants will gather at the State Capitol on Saturday for a march that is to begin at 12:30 p.m. The Austin Police Department will block cross streets ahead of the marchers and re-open them to traffic after the group has passed. The march is expected to reach City Hall around 1:15 p.m. for a concert that will run from 1:30 - 3:30.

March Route:

- South on Congress
- East on 7th St.
- South on Red River
- West on 6th St.
- South on Congress
- West on 2nd St.
- South on Lavaca

Mar 17 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square, 4th & Guadalupe
austinfarmersmarket.org

From 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., W. 4th St. will be closed between Guadalupe and San Antonio for the Austin Farmers Market.


Mar 24 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square, 4th & Guadalupe
austinfarmersmarket.org

From 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., W. 4th St. will be closed between Guadalupe and San Antonio for the Austin Farmers Market.


Mar 25 30th Annual Austin American Statesman Capital 10,000
statesman.com/sports

The Race Route:
- Begins on the Congress Avenue Bridge;
- North on Congress;
- East on 11th St.;
- North on San Jacinto
- West on 15th St.;
- South on Winsted;
- East on Veterans Drive/S.F. Austin;
- East on Cesar Chavez
- South on the S. 1st St. Bridge
- Finish at Auditorium Shores.

The Congress Avenue Bridge and Barton Spings Rd., between Congress and Riverside, will be closed from 4:00 a.m. until noon. Riverside will be closed along Auditorium Shores, west of S. 1st St., from 3:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

The police will begin closing other streets at 7:30 a.m. and will re-open them after all runners have passed.


DAA Gatherings

Mar 21 Arts & Entertainment Marketing Committee Meeting
8:30 a.m.
211 E. 7th St., 7th Floor Conference Room
Chair: Nancy Burns, Norwood Tower Management; Staff: Cilla Temple
RSVP: Cilla Temple - Email: ctemple@downtownaustin.com

Mar 22 Streetscapes & Transporation
12:00 Noon
211 E. 7th St., Room 111
Chair(s): Paul Noetzel, C.B. Richard Ellis, & Wade Cooper, Jackson Walker LLP, Staff: Thomas Butler
RSVP: Thomas Butler - Email: tbutler@downtownaustin.com